Blueberry Health Benefits

New studies point to health benefits from eating blueberries that may be as far reaching as preventing cancer and retarding the effects of aging, particularly the loss of memory and motor skills. 

The focus has been on flavonoids, including anthocyanins, which are responsible for the intense blue color of wild blueberries. Recently, tests found that blueberries are number one in antioxidant activity. Antioxidants prevent cancer-causing cell damage and may thwart the effects of some age related diseases. Research attributes the beneficial effect of blueberries to their high anthocyanin content.

Another study looked at a flavonoid that inhibits an enzyme involved in promoting cancer. Of the fruits tested, blueberries showed the greatest anti-cancer activity. 

Before singing the blues about bruises, wrinkles or varicose veins, start eating the blues--fruits with large amounts of blue, deep red or purple pigment. Proanthocyanoidins (PACs) produce these rich colors and help our skin. PACs are water-soluble which means they can travel where fat-soluble vitamins can't, thus strengthening tiny blood vessels called capillaries. And strong capillaries mean:  less constriction of veins, which could lead to swollen feet or ankles, faster healing of bruises, healthy collagen for fewer wrinkles and fewer swollen, or varicose, veins. You can judge a fruit's PAC content by its color. Look for dark-blue, purple or dark-red shades--the darker the better. Some of the best sources are blueberries, huckleberries, plums and red or purple grapes. Another option is dark wine, made from the stems and skins as well as the fruits.